Ferries from Andros to Paros are a very popular way to move between the northern and central Cyclades, especially in spring and summer. The Andros to Paros ferry route usually runs from the main port of Gavrio in Andros to the main port of Parikia in Paros, with several sailings a week in the high season. Most departures are in the morning and afternoon, usually from about nine in the morning until early evening, although the exact times change by day, company and month. Depending on the vessel and stops on the way, the crossing time on the Andros to Paros ferry route normally ranges from about two hours and ten minutes to around four hours and fifteen minutes, with an average of roughly two hours and forty five minutes. The route is served by large conventional ferries and faster high speed vessels from companies such as Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries, and on most sailings you can travel either as a foot passenger or with a car or motorbike on board. Direct ferries on the Andros to Paros ferry route usually run from about April to October, with almost daily connections in July and August, while in winter you may need to travel via another island or through Athens. There are no true overnight ferries on this route, and sailings are normally in daylight hours only.
Before you sail on the Andros to Paros ferry route it is a good idea to plan your port transfers and arrive early. Gavrio port in Andros is about thirty kilometres from Chora and can be reached by local bus, taxi or hire car, so you should allow enough time for the drive and for boarding checks. In Paros the ferry arrives in the busy port of Parikia, which is right by the town centre and has easy access to buses, taxis and car hire for Naoussa, the airport and the beaches. Travellers usually board with normal luggage without problems, and most ships have comfortable air conditioned lounges, snack bars and outdoor decks, although high speed catamarans may feel more bumpy on windy days, which some people mention when they talk about Seajets services in the Cyclades. If you are sensitive to motion it is better to choose a larger conventional ferry on the Andros to Paros ferry route when possible, sit towards the middle or on an outside deck and avoid the windiest days. Because the shortest trip is more than two hours and there is no convenient return at the right time, this route is not practical as a same day island hopping excursion, and most visitors stay at least one night in Paros before moving on to Naxos, Santorini or back to Athens.
Is the Andros to Paros ferry route available all year or only in summer?
The Andros to Paros ferry route runs mainly in the warmer months and is most frequent between late spring and early autumn. From about April to October there are usually several departures each week, and in July and August you can often find sailings six to seven days per week, especially with Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries. In the low season direct services on the Andros to Paros ferry route can be very limited or may not run on some days, so you might have to connect through another island such as Tinos or Syros, or travel via Rafina and then continue to Paros. It is always best to check live dates and timetables on Ferryhopper before you fix hotel bookings, because the schedule on the Andros to Paros ferry route can change with weather and demand.
How long does the Andros to Paros ferry route take and what are the usual departure times?
On most days the Andros to Paros ferry route takes between about two hours and twenty minutes and roughly four hours and ten minutes, depending on the company, the speed of the ship and whether there are stops at islands such as Tinos, Mykonos or Naxos. The fastest high speed services on this route can be just over two hours, while larger conventional vessels are slower but feel more stable, which some travellers prefer. Typical departures on the Andros to Paros ferry route are in the morning and afternoon, with first sailings often around eight fifty to nine thirty and the last sailings usually in the early evening up to about eighteen fifteen, but exact times vary by date and operator. Because schedules may change close to the day of travel, it is important to use a live search on Ferryhopper and to arrive at Gavrio port at least forty five to sixty minutes before the departure shown on your ticket for the Andros to Paros ferry route.
Can I take a car on the Andros to Paros ferry route and should I book early?
Most ships on the Andros to Paros ferry route accept vehicles, including popular vessels such as Andros Queen from Golden Star Ferries and Superrunner Jet from Seajets, as well as some Fast Ferries sailings. Car spaces are limited and can sell out faster than foot passenger seats, especially on weekends, around August holidays and when island festivals or local events are taking place in Andros or Paros. If you plan to drive on the Andros to Paros ferry route it is wise to book both your vehicle and passenger tickets well in advance on Ferryhopper, arrive at Gavrio at least one hour before departure and follow the crew instructions for lining up and loading your car on board. Prices for a standard car on the Andros to Paros ferry route usually start around forty eight euros one way, depending on the company, season and any special offers.
Is the Andros to Paros ferry route suitable for travellers who get seasick?
Many people sail the Andros to Paros ferry route without any problems, but the sea can be choppy on windy days and fast catamarans can move more, which some travellers describe in online discussions about Seajets services in the Cyclades. If you know that you are sensitive to motion it is better to choose a larger conventional ferry on the Andros to Paros ferry route when one is available, travel in the morning when the wind is often a little calmer, and sit low down and towards the middle of the ship or on an outside deck where you can see the horizon. It is also sensible to avoid heavy meals and alcohol before boarding, drink water, and carry motion sickness tablets, as this can make the Andros to Paros ferry route much more comfortable even when the Meltemi wind is strong.
Can I use the Andros to Paros ferry route for a day trip and return the same evening?
Although the islands are not very far apart, the Andros to Paros ferry route is not well suited to a same day return trip. The shortest crossing time is still over two hours each way, and current schedules do not usually offer a return sailing at the right time to give you enough hours on Paros before coming back to Andros. Travel sites that compare timetables explain that you cannot realistically do a proper day trip on the Andros to Paros ferry route, and advise visitors to stay at least one night on Paros before returning or continuing on to other islands. For this reason most travellers use the Andros to Paros ferry route as part of a wider island hopping itinerary and plan an overnight stay rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.